Property owners in Los Angeles have a duty to maintain safe conditions. Learn when they can be held liable for slip and fall injuries.
If you were injured in Los Angeles, the steps below can help protect your claim.
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, but proving liability requires understanding California premises liability law.
Legal Duty of Care
Property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe and warn visitors of hazards. The duty owed depends on your status: invitee (customer), licensee (social guest), or trespasser.
Proving Negligence
To win your case, you must prove the property owner created the dangerous condition, knew about it, or should have discovered it through reasonable inspection. You must also show the danger wasn’t obvious to you.
Common Defenses
Property owners often claim: the hazard was open and obvious, you were distracted or careless, they didn’t have notice of the condition, or you were trespassing. Strong evidence overcomes these defenses.
Comparative Fault
California uses comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault for not seeing the hazard, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
Evidence Is Critical
Take photos immediately. Identify witnesses. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and get a written incident report. Seek medical attention right away.
Time Is of the Essence
Hazardous conditions are often fixed quickly after an accident, destroying crucial evidence. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Don’t let property owners escape responsibility for dangerous conditions. An experienced attorney investigates thoroughly and builds a compelling case for maximum compensation.
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